Can a candidate have too much experience? Martin Cauchon seems to think there are people out there who believe that to be the case — at least, that’s what he told Liberals during his Saturday showcase.

“Some have suggested I have too much experience,” he told everyone, without specifying who might have made such a bold proclamation. “Well, I don’t lack political experience,” he went on.

This was the main focus of Cauchon’s speech – that, as a minister at both the provincial and federal level, he has had a role in shaping legislation and played a part in some of Canada’s most important decisions (like staying out of the Iraq war).

He also appealed for people to think of what the Liberal party has done for Canada – building the Charter, for example.

“Our leaders have proved how noble and universal are our Liberal values,” he said.

And while he hit many of the same notes that others did – particularly Justin Trudeau – Cauchon lacked the energy and overall chops to really push the idea in quite the same manner. Rather than inspiring, he appeared rather insipid. His speech was less boisterous than he was simply boilerplate. And while he proposed that this is indeed the time to consider specific policy issues (a swipe at Trudeau), his sales pitch for those Saturday might not have landed as well as he hoped it might.